Construction is the largest industry in the world, representing 13 percent of global GDP, with about $10 trillion spent annually on construction-related goods and services. Humans are builders, and the structures we construct– skyscrapers, underwater tunnels, bridges, stadiums, airports, high-speed rail and all the other foundational parts of our infrastructure — are essential to our economy and every part of our daily lives. A dawning era of massive infrastructure investment presages a monumental opportunity for the building trades and construction industries.

While people often think of construction as primarily a “brick and mortar” operation, construction sites are now incubating sites for a range of technology innovations. For example, so-called “wearable technologies” are rapidly changing the construction work landscape and promoting safety, accuracy, and efficiency using mobile technology. The smart hard hat allows technicians to develop 3D augmented reality images such as construction drawings of bridge spans, to be projected in front of workers while the bridge is being constructed. Smart work boots are embedded with sensors that provide construction workers with their exact location relative to a site plan and allow construction supervisors to know who is on site. Bionic suits, smart glasses, and other “smart wearables” potentially enhance safety and promote resource efficiency. Still, they are not without controversy for potential infringement of privacy issues.

For all these innovations and large numbers, cost pressures, sustainability requirements, raw materials scarcity and other challenges are also transforming how the construction and infrastructure industries will look in the near and longer-term. Construction material manufacturers must understand market penetration and develop knowledge of sustainable building materials such as green (i.e. low carbon footprint) steel. Construction engineering companies must develop supply chain resilience and adaptability.

Our expert witnesses are world class, and have degrees in specialties such as Architecture, Materials Science Engineering, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Corrosion Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, Infrastructure Management, Information Technology and Cost Accounting. We have placed structural engineering expert witnesses to testify in a wide spectrum of products including marine facilities damaged by boats, and building codes expert witnesses to opine on fire and electrical codes in buildings on Federal lands.

Expertise for Every Eventuality

Our experts’ knowledge of the many varied aspects of the Construction and Infrastructure sector distinguishes us and gives our clients a valuable and tangible advantage. The following is but a very small sample of the critical issues on which our experts may consult or testify:

• Building Codes
• Construction Defects and Delays
• OSHA Safety Standards for General Industry and Construction
• Water Infiltration
• Accident Reconstruction and Forensic Failure Analysis
• Construction Lending
• LEED Building Certification
• Lead Paint Abatement
• Asbestos Remediation
• Construction Change Orders
• Property Loss
• Americans With Disability Act/Accessibility Requirements
• ISO 9000 Contractor Certification
• Tax Credits for Certain Construction Activities
• Historical Building Ordinances